A lot will depend on where you are located.  It sounds like something that I've done to help a lot of new investors out, and it can be invaluable to have an experienced person by your side.  If you let me know what town / state you're in, I'll PM you some contacts that might be able to help.  And I'm sure that everyone else in here is going to ha…[Read more]

It really depends on which state you're in, and also which agent you are using.  I buy a lot in NSW, and I always get my solicitor to handle the contract because he knows how I like them done.  It's just a matter of finding the common ground that everyone is happy with.  However, in NSW, typically we get to haggle over the contracts prior to si…[Read more]

Where abouts are you located?

You're already on the right path, get it valued, get anything fixed.  Depending on how much you have paid off, you may always want to ensure that you have your loan account set up correctly.  Also, don't get too carried away with repairs.  I know that some people tend to get carried away when doing their tax returns, don't forget that if it's a re…[Read more]

A common saying is that you make your money when you buy – ie, buying the right property in the right area at the right time.  In most market conditions, if you have an eye for it, reno's can work.  In some situations, they work very well.  However, they also come with plenty of risk, so doing your homework is a great idea.Work out what you are go…[Read more]

Quite a few questions there!  Depending on where you are located, it could make a difference.  If you buy a PPOR to live in and them move out, you may get the best of both worlds, being govt assistance as well as an investment property in the end, however you may not want to have to move so often and/or lose the place you're renting at the m…[Read more]

A conjunctional sale is where one agent works with another, and they both take a % of the fees.  In that sence, it's down to the individual agents how they share things.If you're talking a normal sale, I've seen anything from 1% up to 3%, dending on the property, the market, and who is doing the selling.  Genuinely talented agents tend to charge a…[Read more]

There really is a difference.  I've seen anything from a one page spreadsheet to a full, comprehensive multi page report.  Different companies will give you different amounts of depreciation as well, so the higher it goes, the more comprehensive you should – helps if the ATO asks any questions, you have a solid details to go off rather than a c…[Read more]

Tony and Ed are good guys, and they know their stuff.  Probably is one of the better books on the market at the moment.Regarding your questions, I'd seek some proper advice – could you probably engage someone for about an hour or so and suck enough information from their brain to get you heading in the right direction.  It might cost money, but i…[Read more]

I don't personally know the group, but a few things to keep in mind.  If you're going to buy a property through someone else, do your research.  There is nothing wrong with buying through an investment property company, as long as what you buy prepresents both good value, as well as suits what you need in an investment.  One of the problems wi…[Read more]

A HUGE congrats to you – it's hard work and you did it.  You are living proof that if you set your goals and work hard, you do get there.  Now you're at the next stage of your journey with a great foundation of experience and knowledge.Well done.FS.

I know the guys there and I've watched them grow from a tiny operation to what they are now.  It's a good story, they cater for a wide range of people and do genuinely have some good deals.Just like with everything else, if you're good at what you do and you do it yourself, you'll get good results.  If not, call in someone that knows what they a…[Read more]

I think that reading all the posts on here is pretty close to a course in property investing…Seminars are good, great even – however a line I give all my clienst:"Advice is just someone's opinion – that you pay for"

Harlee, Have to agree with everyone here – some good advice will go a long way with you.  There are multiple ideas that you can use to protect your assets, and not the just things like property, even the business can be better protected than how you have it at the moment.  There are also other advantages with regards to tax, banking and lending -…[Read more]

Hi Matt,I think that you should probably spend at least an hour sitting down with someone going through the most appropriate structure for your needs.  Yes, it will cost you money – but the cost of getting things wrong will make that pale in comparison.Where are you based?  Collectively, we'll all know at least one person not too far away that c…[Read more]

Hi Badger,Happy to nominate our firm here .   Follow the links below to learn a little more about us, but we've met a few people off the forums over time, and we always seem to be able to provide the adivce that people are looking for.  Also, we're in the Sydney CBD.Cheers,FS

If I knew a little more about your situation, I could possibly help.  Obviously, the more equity and assets you have, the easier.  If you want to post more info, or send me a private message – it could potentially help.FS

Hey there!Kaplan is great, they are well recognised and have been around for ever.  Tibeca took over the securities institute courses, and then merged in with Kaplan, so it's all one bit happy family.  Correspondance is usually the cheapest way to do it, but I've known many people that don't actually finish.Another alternative is Pinnacle T…[Read more]

I'm not sure how much you can borrow, but I'm sure with the right numbers some of the other guys here can help.  However from a tax point of view, it's easiest to think of more general terms and define yourself a rule of what is and what is not deductible.  I usually use "What did I do with the money?" rule – being, if you used the money to buy s…[Read more]

Hi Kuradji,I would suggest that you talk to this guy – he's fine for a quick chat on the phone about what you need, and he really is very good at what he does.  You'll have to pay him to take things further, but you should be able to get a good feel over the phone if he is the right guy for you.Property Tax Specialists Barbara & Co cpaphone 02…[Read more]